El Enemigo Bonarda La Esperanza Mendoza 2023

El Enemigo Bonarda La Esperanza 2023 is a single-vineyard red that showcases the remarkable potential of Argentina’s often underrated Bonarda grape. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Alejandro Vigil, the wine combines vibrant Mendoza fruit with mineral freshness and subtle oak refinement. It is part of Vigil’s El Enemigo project, whose name reflects the inner struggle to surpass one’s own limits.

Tasting Notes
Deep violet in appearance, this Bonarda opens with expressive aromas of blackberry, black cherry and blueberry, followed by notes of lavender, peppercorn, cocoa and dried herbs. The palate is juicy and medium-bodied, with a fresh mineral edge, lively acidity and silky tannins. Licorice and spice carry through to a long, clean finish, while the large-format oak adds structure and finesse without masking the fruit. It is approachable in its youth, but its balance and concentration should allow it to develop gracefully over the next several years.

Production
The grapes come from the La Esperanza single vineyard in San Martín, east of Mendoza, situated at approximately 650 metres above sea level on sandy soils. The 100% Bonarda was spontaneously fermented with indigenous yeasts at temperatures of up to 28°C for 15 days, followed by a gentle 15-day infusion with minimal movement. It was then matured for 12 months in large oak foudres, preserving the wine’s freshness and fruit purity while contributing texture and subtle complexity.

Food & Serving
A versatile partner for Argentine asado, grilled beef and lamb chops, as well as empanadas and richly spiced dishes featuring mole or chilli. It also works beautifully with grilled swordfish, mushroom-based pasta and mature semi-firm cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C; around 30 minutes in a decanter will help reveal its aromatic depth and soften the wine’s youthful structure.

Producer
El Enemigo is the personal project of Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at the renowned Catena Zapata and one of Argentina’s most influential modern wine figures. Together with Adrianna Catena, Vigil created the Bodega Aleanna project to explore distinctive, expressive wines with a strong sense of place. Through wines such as this single-vineyard Bonarda, El Enemigo has helped demonstrate that Argentina’s second most widely planted red grape can produce refined, age-worthy wines of genuine top-class quality.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.